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Adding Curb Appeal with an Old Wood Window Screen

ByKristi Haight Updated

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Decorating a porch and adding curb appeal with an old wood window screen.

There are a lot of thrift store finds scattered throughout our cottage but some of my favorite pieces are the ones that don’t need a makeover.

I mean, how cool is it to find something you love for only a few bucks (and sometimes free!) and all it requires is a bit of elbow grease to clean it up?

That’s my favorite kind of find!

vintage window screen hanging on front porch

I’ve left plenty of thrift stores empty-handed but a few weeks ago I found an vintage window screen for $2.

Ok, it was old but it was in good shape. It wasn’t something that I was looking for but as soon as I saw it I knew that I could make good use of it.

Finding new uses for an old thrifted window screen, like using it as a divider on a front porch.

The plan was to use it as a see-through divider on the front porch. I wanted to add something that had a bit of character.

The hubs didn’t get it but I’ve long given up trying to convince him when I have an idea.

I thought about painting it, for about 2 seconds, and then I decided that all it needed was good cleaning and 4 stainless steel cup hooks to hang it up. Easy!

Finding new uses for an inexpensive and old thrifted window screen, like using it as a divider on a front porch.

It’s old and chippy and just what I was looking for.

Well…I wasn’t exactly looking for it but I’m so glad that I found it.

I love the green paint under the white chippy paint and the old hardware.

Finding a new use for a chippy, thrifted old window screen, like using it as a divider on a front porch.

The porch is still a work in progress but I love the character that the old window screen brings to our outdoor seating area.

Now we need to fix the posts before the roof comes crashing down.

With an old house it’s always something.

Finding a new use for an old, chippy, thrifted window screen, like using it as a see-through divider on a front porch.
Recycling an old thrift store window screen by using it as a divider on a front porch.

Check out a few other thrifty finds and DIY’s I’ve shared.

Chief photographer, writer and DIYer at Chatfield Court, who is never satisfied with her home unless she has designed, painted, wallpapered and decorated every inch.

32 Comments

  1. Love your porch Kristi! I still have a lot of work to do on my front “porch”. It’s getting there, but things were put on hold due to the makeover in my kitchen. I am so tired of painting! I know I’ll get there. One thing at a time.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much MJ! We have a lot yet to do too. Just trying to make the best of it until we get to it. 😉

      Reply

  2. I totally get your vision and my husband rarely gets mine so I understand! I love this. So unique and beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Mary Beth! I think all of us visionaries need to stick together. 😉

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    1. Thanks so much Jenna! I love the chippy charm it adds to our porch. Happy weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  4. I love how you Included the screen window into your design. Beautifully done. I love it!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Ivory! It was a simple thing to add but I love the way it makes the porch look and feel.

      Thanks so much for stopping in and commenting. Hope you have a great weekend!

      Reply

  6. Thanks for sharing your creative idea, Kristi! I just love some chippy goodness. Your porch looking welcoming and inviting. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much Meegan! The chippy goodness is what drew me to it. I’m loving the character it brings to our little porch.

      Happy weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  7. This is so cool Kristi! It looks like it was meant for that spot! Now you’re giving me some ideas, uh oh! My husband is going to mad at uou, lol

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    1. Thanks Julie! It feels like it was meant for this spot. My husband is aalways mad at me for projects doing like this so I’m used to it. 😉

      Reply

  8. I am in love with your creative use of this window screen! I have a bit of a love affair with old windows and shutters…now I’ll have to keep my eye out for an old window screen 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Cindy! I love old windows and shutters too. I never looked at old screens until I saw this one. Now I have to be careful about collecting them. 🙂

      Reply

  9. This is such a cool detail, Kristi! And for $2?! That’s a steal! I love that you left it in it’s original state…It’s got so much charm and character! I see pieces like that and always think about the home it came from and what it might have looked like. Each piece has it’s own unique story! I’m so glad to be teaming up with you and the other ladies on the Thrifty Style Team! <3

    Reply

    1. Thanks Kristi! I don’t usually go for chippy and old but I love it with the stone on our house. I always think about where pieces come from too, especially when I go to estate sales. It’s fun to imagine what other life they had.

      I’m so happy to be a part of the Thrifty Style Team. Everyone is so creative and supportive. 🙂

      Reply

  10. You are just so creative Kristi! Love your new blog look and your beautiful photo!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Vel, I really appreciate your sweet comment. 🙂

      Reply

  11. I love the character of old windows and now screens too!! It is such a fun and whimsical addition to your porch. Hope your post repair project goes well. It really is always something!!!

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    1. Thanks Jessica! It’s a small change but I love the look with the stone. Now to finish fixing the porch so it doesn’t fall down.

      Reply
  12. Debbie Halcomb says:

    Love the screen idea, Gives the illusion of a room. I finally found an old window when I was antiquing with my daughter in Alabama, Now to decide where to hang it.

    Reply

    1. It does give the illusion of a room. You wouldn’t think that, because it’s a screen, but it does. I like the effect.

      Yay for you for finding an old window. I can’t wait to hear where you decide to hang it.

      Thanks for stopping in. 🙂

      Reply

  13. The screen is yet another great idea. It looks as though it belongs and could, depending on which direction you receive sun, also be something that provides some shade (for a husband who might not get the decor advantage). Looks like you’re got a start on the porch with the new 4×4 in place. Just clad both old and new posts together and you’ll have a nice substantial post without a lot of demo. It will look great when you’re finished.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Pam! I’ll have to remember that angle (about blocking the sun) if the hubs brings it up again. Brilliant idea! 😉

      We’re working on removing the rotted parts of the post and then beefing them up some. Too bad the old owners just painted over the rot and didn’t fix it to begin with. Ah, the joys of home ownership!

      Reply

  14. Kristi that looks so cute hanging there. Can’t beat the price either 🙂

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    1. Thanks Pam! Free would have been nice but you can’t argue with $2. 😉

      Reply

  15. Love that screen there! Really cute, and of course any photo with a doggie is wonderful. I know what you mean about fixing the porch supports. Our deck is ready to fall down, replacing this year. Even the builder joked that walking on it ‘ was risky’ when he came for the estimate. My hubby also looks askance at many of my projects. We certainly had a few words when he decided to paint a rusty crow (bought that way on purpose) from the garden. A new one was purchased.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Jillian! Your husband sounds like mine. I would have bought a new one too. 😉

      Reply

  16. If it’s one thing I’ve got around here it’s screens. Why haven’t I thought of hanging them up?

    Reply

    1. Now that you know, you can hang them all up. 🙂

      Reply

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